Nursing cover

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a nursing cover adapted to cover at least the torso of a user breastfeeding an infant. The cover includes at least one retaining means for lifting and temporarily, but continually, holding a front portion of an article of clothing covering the user&#39;s torso above and away from the user&#39;s breast so that the user need not have to continually manually hold said front portion during nursing. The cover can also include neckline shaping means adapted to keep the front neckline of the cover lifted away from the user&#39;s neck during use, whereby the user can view the infant&#39;s face during nursing and free her hands to conduct other activities, while the cover keeps at least her breast and the infant&#39;s face hidden from view by others.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a nursing cover, in particular a nursing cover adapted to temporarily lift and continually hold at least a portion of the front of a user's shirt while breastfeeding a child.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mothers who go through a physically and mentally stressful labor and delivery are confronted with the additional challenge of breastfeeding their babies. Breastfeeding has many advantages for babies and their mothers. For many mothers, breastfeeding is one of the most meaningful connections that they have with their babies during this period. Mothers report that both they and their babies enjoy the special closeness that occurs during breastfeeding.

However, mothers often claim that breastfeeding their babies in public is many times accompanied with a lack of privacy and comfort, since they may need to remove part of their clothing and expose their bodies, thereby reducing their privacy and the intimacy with their infant. So, most mothers will instead save their breast milk in a bottle and feed their babies with the filled bottle. Carrying the bottles of breast milk, however, may increase the workload to the mothers, for example the need to sterilize the bottles and place the breast milk in the bottle. Moreover, it is very difficult to keep the freshness of the bottles of breast milk when outdoors; therefore, one of the solutions for breastfeeding in public is that mothers have to hide at a corner or a nursing room, which are seldom found in public facilities. Furthermore, breastfeeding in public is considered to be illegal in some countries, and mothers may be charged with improper conduct, since they expose their bodies in public. Breastfeeding their babies is such a natural thing that should not be prohibited, and they should have the right to nurse their babies anytime or anywhere.

Another solution for breastfeeding in public is to use a blanket to cover up the baby and the exposed breast while breastfeeding, e.g. blankets disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,479,662 and 5,008,960; however, such a blanket, with a strap to stop the blanket from sliding off of the mother during use still fails to effectively hide the mother's breast from being seen in all directions. In fact, for most of the conventional blanket-type covers, the mother's breast can still be seen by someone next to the mother.

Furthermore, in all the existing nursing covers or nursing ponchos, the mother is required to use one hand to lift and continually hold her shirt during nursing while holding the infant with her other hand. Such a system is disadvantageous, because the mother has no free hand to attend to other matters. For example, in order to lift or grab another article during nursing, the mother has to either drop the shirt, thereby undesirably covering the infant's face, or place the infant down.

Thus, there is a need to develop a nursing cover that overcomes the disadvantages of prior art embodiments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a nursing cover that overcomes one or more disadvantages of prior art nursing covers. Another object of the present invention is to provide a holder that can be used easily during breastfeeding. A nursing cover of the invention is adapted to maintain the front of a nursing mother's article of clothing, e.g. shirt, jacket, sweatshirt, sweater, hoodie, pajama, shapewear, top, vest, T-shirt, bra, dress, coat, gown or other such apparel, raised to reveal her breast to the infant but advantageously with no need for the mother to lift/raise and manually continually hold the article of clothing or to remove her article of clothing during nursing. The nursing cover keeps the mother's breast and nursing infant covered while simultaneously keeping her article of clothing lifted all while not requiring her to continually manually hold the article of clothing in a raised position. Additionally, the nursing cover keeps the baby fully covered and safe from wind, germs, pollen, bugs, and sunlight.

In some embodiments, the nursing cover covers at least the front of the nursing mother, at least the front and the sides of the nursing mother, or covers the front, sides and rear of the nursing mother. In some embodiments, the nursing cover is sufficiently large to surround the nursing mother's upper body. In some embodiments, the nursing cover is at least tall enough to cover the nursing mother's torso from at least her neck down to at least her waist. In some embodiments, the nursing covers at least the chest (at least the breast(s)) and stomach of the mother during use. In some embodiments, the nursing cover is sized to cover the torso and arms of the nursing mother.

The present invention also provides a nursing cover comprising a cover and at least one retaining means permanently or removably secured to said cover. The retaining means is adapted to temporarily but continually retain an article of clothing of a nursing user in a raised/lifted position thereby revealing the user's breast to a nursing infant, while the cover simultaneously keeps the user's breast and the nursing infant's face hidden from view. The nursing cover of the invention does not require a nursing mother to continually manually hold her article of clothing in a raised position during breastfeeding. The retaining means can be placed inside or outside the cover; however, the retaining means should be able to have access to the front of the mother's article of clothing during nursing, i.e. the retaining means should be able to access at least a portion of the volume of space covered by the cover and in front of the mother's breast.

Retaining means may be detachable. In some embodiments, the retaining means comprises a strap adapted to forms a closable loop, whereby at least one end of said strap is secured (permanently or temporarily) to the cover, and the other end of said strap is secured (permanently or temporarily) to the cover or to the strap itself.

In some embodiments, the retaining means comprises any material, e.g. synthetic, natural, semisynthetic, or combination thereof, suitable for safe use in an article of clothing. The retaining means can comprise fabric, hook-and-loop strap(s) (e.g. Velcro), clasp(s), button(s) and buttonhole(s), snap(s), snap-button(s), magnet(s), or other such material.

In some embodiments, the nursing cover comprises two or more retaining means. Said retaining means can be located at about the same location of the cover or at different locations of the cover. Said retaining means is adapted to temporarily but continually hold a front part of a mother's article of clothing lifted above and away from her breast during nursing.

Independently upon each occurrence, each end of said retaining means is permanently or temporarily attached/secured/engaged to said cover. In some embodiments, the ends of the retaining means are attachable to different locations of the neckline of the cover. In some embodiments, the ends of the retaining means are attachable to about the same location of the neckline of the cover. In some embodiments, the retaining means comprises at least one strap or at least two straps. Said at least two straps may be different or the same in materials and/or construction. Said at least two straps may be interchangeable.

The end of the retaining means can be temporarily or permanently secured/attached to the cover by being sewn and/or adhered (e.g. glued or bonded) the cover. An end of the retaining meaning means can also be temporarily or permanently secured/attached to the cover by at least one button, snap, or hook-and-loop fastener.

In some embodiments, the cover further comprises at least one pocket. The pocket can be disposed at the front or side of the cover.

In some embodiments, the nursing cover further comprises neckline shaping means adapted to keep the front neckline of the cover lifted away from the mother's neck and chest during use, whereby the mother can view the infant's face during nursing and free her hands to conduct other activities. The neckline shaping means can comprise a rigid, flexible, semi-rigid, pliable, or resilient material attached to or integral with the neckline of the cover. In some embodiments, the neckline shaping means comprises wire.

Another aspect of the invention provides a nursing cover, as defined herein, adapted for use as a stroller seat cover.

Another aspect of the invention provides a nursing cover, as defined herein, adapted for use as a car seat cover.

These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 1 depicts a front elevation view of a nursing cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A depicts a side elevation view of a nursing cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B depicts a rear elevation view of a nursing cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a mother using a nursing cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a top perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 with a blown-up perspective view of retaining means temporarily but continually holding the mother's article of clothing lifted above and away from the mother's breast.

FIG. 5A depicts a front elevation view of a mother wearing a shirt prior to donning a nursing cover according to the invention.

FIG. 5B depicts a front elevation view of a mother after donning a nursing cover according to the invention.

FIG. 5C depicts a perspective view of the mother of FIG. 5B using the nursing cover to nurse an infant.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a nursing cover of the invention adapted for use as an infant car seat cover.

FIG. 7. depicts a perspective view of a nursing cover of the invention adapted for use as a stroller cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a nursing cover (100) comprising a cover (103), at least one retaining means (first retaining means (strap 105 a), second retaining means (strap 105 b)), and neckline shaping means (107). An end of the retaining means (strap adapted to form a loop when both ends are secure) can be secured/fastened/engaged to the cover, e.g. the neckline of the cover, with at least one snap, magnet, and/or button (109). When each end of the strap is secured, it forms a loop adapted to temporarily but continually hold a portion of the front of a mother's shirt thereby exposing her breast without the mother having to manually continually hold her shirt up. The exemplary cover further comprises an optional pocket (111) in front. The pocket can be adapted to hold (temporarily store) a pacifier, nursing pads, and/or objects. Where two (retaining means) straps are included, each can be adapted to lift a portion of shirt adjacent a respective underlying breast. Where a single strap (retaining means) is included, it can be adapted to lift a portion of shirt adjacent either underlying breast.

The nursing cover (100) can be partially or about fully surround (encircle, wrap) at least the torso of a user. FIG. 2A illustrate a side view of the nursing cover comprising a cover that surrounds the user. FIG. 2B depicts a rear view of the nursing cover (100) which provides full circumferential coverage to the mother, in the nursing cover is adapted to cover the private parts of a user's body, such that the user can breastfeed her baby anytime or anywhere.

When two retaining means (straps) are include, the user can use each strap to maintain its respective portion of article of clothing lifted above each breast. For example:—when the mother user wants to feed the baby from the right side then she can use the right strap for holding the right side of the shirt/t-shirt, and when she wants to feed on the left side then she can use left strap for holding the left side of the shirt/t-shirt. The user need not hold the t-shirt/shirt with her hand(s) or chin.

FIG. 3 illustrates a user wearing the nursing cover (100). The neckline shaping means (107) is depicted lifting the neckline of the cover away from the user's neck, whereby the user is able to maintain visual contact with the infant's face during nursing without the user having to manually hold the cover away from her neck. Advantageously, the user can feed the baby without exposing her breasts and still maintain visual contact with the infant. Even a person sitting next to the user will generally not be able see the user's breast(s) when the nursing cover is used properly.

FIG. 4 (bottom) illustrates a view of the interior of the nursing cover (100) during use, whereby neckline shaping means keeps the neckline of the cover away from the mother's neck so that she can maintain visual contact with here infant. The neck of the nursing cover is lined by a piece of a rigid material, which is outwardly bowed in a horizontal direction giving the mother access to view the baby. FIG. 4 (inset) depicts a strap (105) having both ends secured by securing means (109), which in this case is a snap, button, magnet or snap-button, to the neckline of the cover, whereby the strap forms a loop by which a portion of the front of the mother's article of clothing is temporarily but continually retained thereby keeping the article of clothing elevated while breastfeeding so she does not need to hold the article of clothing during feeding.

FIG. 5A illustrates a user wearing a shirt prior to donning the nursing cover. The mother user can wear article of clothing under the cover. FIG. 5B depicts the user after donning the nursing cover. FIG. 5C depicts the user nursing an infant while using the nursing cover to lift the portion in front of her breast up over the breast, thereby exposing the breast so that the infant may nurse while she views its face.

In some embodiments, the retaining means is a hook-and-loop fastener, e.g. a Velcro® strap, which is adapted to form a loop. The hook-and-loop fastener can be an integral single component or can comprise a hook component and a loop component. In another embodiment, the strap comprises at least one magnet near a first end and either a magnetic or metal receiver near a second end. In another embodiment, the strap comprises at least one button near a first end and at least one buttonhole near a second end. In another embodiment, the neckline of the cover comprises at least one first component of securing means, and the strap (retaining means) comprises at least one complementary second component of said securing means, whereby each said strap can be secured to said cover.

In some embodiments, the cover is sized to provide full coverage of at least the torso of a user such as might be exemplified by an apron or poncho. The cover can be a one-size-fits-all type of design.

The invention also provides embodiments wherein the nursing is adapted to serve as a stroller cover and/or car seat canopy.

FIG. 6 depicts a nursing cover that serves as an infant car seat canopy. It is adapted to be a one-size-fits-all design. The material is breathable and allows the infant to remain cool while providing protection against wind, drizzle/rain/precipitation, germs, bright light, bugs/insects, and snow.

FIG. 7 depicts a nursing cover that serves as a stroller cover/sunshade/blind. It protects an infant from sunlight, heat, wind, bugs/insects, dust, germs, pollen, and precipitation while maintaining privacy. The cover optionally comprises a see-through panel to allowing viewing of the infant surrounded by the cover.

The cover can comprise any material, e.g. textile, suitable for use in making clothing, jackets or coats. In some embodiments, the material used is very light, soft and breathable that allows air to pass through. It keeps the baby cool and fresh and enables convenient feeding sessions. The cover can comprise a laminate of two or more different materials. For example, the cover can comprise a first material fused to a second material, e.g. a fusable material fused to a fabric. In the context of fabrics, the fusable material can be “fusing”, which is an adhesive material with a variety of functions that can be used as an alternative to sewing. Fusing is available in woven or non-woven sheets, shapes and strips. Each type and use has a number of benefits.

In another embodiment, the straps can be fastened to any clothes to lift the clothes.

According to a specific embodiment, the nursing cover has an about 2 cm double foldable hem. The height and width of the pocket are about 5.9 cm and about 6.1 cm respectively. The pocket distance from hem is about 8 cm. The width of the front panel of the cover at hem and neck are about 16.9 cm and about 18 cm respectively. The width of the neckline of the rear panel of the cover is about 14.4 cm. The rear panel of the cover comprises a hem having a width of about 110.6 cm. The height of the front panel is about 28.5 cm. The HPT to LPM of the rear panel is about 30 cm. The length and width of an exemplary strap (retaining means) are about 8.7 cm and about 1.2 cm, respectively.

The nursing cover of the invention can be sold as part of a kit. Said kit can further comprise a bag, e.g. a puller bag, adapted to store the nursing cover.

Accordingly, the nursing cover of the invention provides a combination of various advantageous features. The nursing cover can be draped over the mother's body thereby covering at least her chest to prevent her breasts from being exposed while breastfeeding. A user will not feel a lack of privacy anymore while breastfeeding in public since the nursing cover is adapted to cover their breasts, so that the use can breastfeed is infant anytime or anywhere. A user can view and monitor the infant through the opening created by the neckline shaping means and can also keep her privacy while breastfeeding. A nursing cover with a single retaining means can be used to selectively lift and hold a portion of the front of a user's article of clothing above and away from either the left breast or right breast.

All values disclosed herein may have standard technical measure error (standard deviation) of up to ±20%. The term “about” is intended to mean±20%, ±10%, ±5%, ±2.5% or ±1% relative to a specified value, i.e. “about” 20% can mean 20±4%, 20±2%, 20±1%, 20±0.5% or 20±0.25%.

As mentioned, there remains the foregoing description of the specific embodiments that will fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A nursing cover comprising a cover and at least one retaining means permanently and/or removably secured to said cover, wherein said retaining means is adapted to temporarily but continually retain a front portion of an article of clothing of a nursing user in a raised/lifted position, thereby revealing the user's breast to a nursing infant, while said cover simultaneously keeps the user's breast and the nursing infant's face hidden from view from others.
 2. The cover of claim 1, wherein said retaining means is adapted to access at least a portion of the volume of space covered by the cover and in front of the user's breast.
 3. The cover of claim 2, wherein said retaining means comprises is adapted to form a closable loop, whereby at least one end of said retaining means is permanently or temporarily secured to said cover, and another end of said retaining means is permanently or temporarily secured to said cover or to said retaining means itself.
 4. The cover of claim 3, wherein said retaining means comprise fabric, hook-and-loop fastener(s), clasp(s), button(s) and buttonhole(s), snap(s), snap-button(s), magnet(s), or combination thereof.
 5. The cover of claim 1 comprising two or more retaining means.
 6. The cover of claim 5, wherein said two or more retaining means are located at about the same location of the cover or at different locations of the cover.
 7. The cover of claim 6, wherein ends of said retaining means are attachable to different locations of the neckline of the cover or are attachable to about the same location of the neckline of the cover.
 8. The cover of claim 5, wherein said two or more retaining means are different in materials and/or construction or are the same in materials and/or construction.
 9. The cover of claim 5, wherein said two or more retaining means are interchangeable.
 10. The cover of claim 5 further comprising at least one pocket.
 11. The cover of claim 5 further comprising neckline shaping means adapted to keep the front neckline of the cover lifted away from the mother's neck and chest during use.
 12. The cover of claim 11, wherein said neckline shaping means comprises a rigid, flexible, semi-rigid, pliable, or resilient material attached to or integral with said neckline of the cover.
 13. The cover of claim 5, wherein said cover is adapted for use as a stroller cover and/or infant car seat cover.
 14. The cover of claim 1, wherein ends of said retaining means are attachable to different locations of the neckline of the cover or attachable to about the same location of the neckline of the cover.
 15. The cover of claim 1 further comprising at least one pocket.
 16. The cover of claim 1 further comprising neckline shaping means adapted to keep the front neckline of the cover lifted away from the mother's neck and chest during use.
 17. The cover of claim 16, wherein said neckline shaping means comprises a rigid, flexible, semi-rigid, pliable, or resilient material attached to or integral with said neckline of the cover.
 18. The cover of claim 1, wherein said cover is adapted for use as a stroller cover and/or infant car seat canopy.
 19. A nursing cover comprising a cover with at least a front neckline; at least one retaining means permanently and/or removably secured to said cover; and neckline shaping means adapted to keep said front neckline lifted away from the mother's neck and chest during use, wherein said retaining means is adapted to temporarily but continually retain a front portion of an article of clothing of a nursing user in a raised/lifted position, thereby revealing the user's breast to a nursing infant, while said cover simultaneously keeps the user's breast and the nursing infant's face hidden from view from others.
 20. The cover of claim 19 further comprising at least one pocket. 